The hardest talks can be the most important

Journal-Advocate staff

Posted:
04/20/2012 10:50:10 AM MDT

Sometimes it seems like all we hear about is one cause or another, day in and day out. We're inundated by "awareness" and "prevention" campaigns, swamped by requests to give "hope" and champion "change."

The fact that there are so many causes clamoring for our help doesn't make them any less important or worthy, but it does mean that sometimes they get lost in the crowd. With only 12 months, 52 weeks and 365 days in a year, it is always National "Something" Day -- or Week or Month. Frequently, it's more than one at any given time.

Such is the case in April. The city of Sterling joined the state of Colorado in celebrating Arbor Day today (National Arbor Day is April 27); Earth Day is next week. Both are worthy celebrations that focus on good things we can do for our environment.

But there are two causes championed this month that present a bigger challenge that we especially want to point out. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Perhaps it's no coincidence -- too often, these two issues are found intertwined in the justice system. Victims of both of these crimes often feel guilt or shame, and may blame themselves -- or feel others blame them -- for what was done to them. And both leave lasting scars -- both physical and emotional -- that may never heal without the right kind of help.

Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions to either of these problems.

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The National Sexual Violence Resource Center encourages society to talk about sexual violence as a major public health, human rights and social justice issue, and provides tools and resources that focus on promoting positive expressions of sexuality and healthy behaviors.

Education is an important tool in combating child abuse that can provide parents with the skills they need to deal with the challenges of raising a child. Support programs and community resources are also a key component to help those struggling to cope with the emotional roller coaster of child rearing. And sometimes it just takes someone to step up and step in when they see a parent struggling, or a child hurting.

It can be tempting to leave these issues to be dealt with by law enforcement and the courts as they aries. However, that attitude does nothing to fix the problem, or prevent it from happening to another victim. And some day, the victim might be you, or someone you love.

We acknowledge that discussing these issues can make people uncomfortable. But we know that it is time to step out of our comfort zones and have some frank conversations about the problems and what can be done to prevent them.

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